[jvar87]

Hello - I'm working on creating a project/unit for comparing & contrasting literature. Now, I teach middle school, but some of the kids are really low levels, so I like to use picture books that are simple to understand and focus more on the specific tasks and completed product/writing. My thought is to use The Three Little Pigs and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (retold from the wolf's perspective). I could then tie in point of view, which would keep it on an appropriate level.

My problem is I want to make it more than just a standard essay...Ive found that the students put in much more effort if it takes the form of a project. However, I'm stuck.

Any ideas??

One idea is to use the idea of a courtroom and have the student take on the role of a judge. Still though, I need a concrete project idea to go along with this.

I would love ANY suggestions, regardless of level. Thanks so much!

[de'anna]

Along the same line as the two fairy tales you mentioned, how about having the kids write a fairy tale from the view of Cinderella's step-mom/step-sister or Snow White's step-mom? They could create their own fairy tale such as the Three Students and the Big Bad Teacher/Principal. Perhaps they could write a play about one of those things? Or how about writing a modern version of Cinderella, say one that could take place in their town?
Just a few thoughts off the top of my head...
Hope it helps,
De'Anna

[teach2reach]

One idea is to use the idea of a courtroom and have the student take on the role of a judge. Still though, I need a concrete project idea to go along with this.

Could you have the students write/create the court transcripts or court reporters notes as their essay? Or maybe they can create pieces of evidence in the trial--written affidavits, etc.?

Crafty Project--have students create a unique diorama. Have them decorate half of the diorama from a pig's POV and the other half from the wolf's POV. Then have the student write a summary of his project on construction paper and glue it around to cover the outside of the diorama box.

[bparsons]

fairy tales are great stories for picking out story elements which is also an important skill. I was able to find graphic organizers online to help w/ this, and I'm sure you can too.

When I was doing story elements w/ my 5th graders, I read them two versions of Cinderella, and they compared the two. We did it together the first time. We discussed setting, differences in characters and plot, etc.

Then, they chose one more Cinderella story to read with a partner and they compared that to the original/standard version. They filled out their graphic organizer together and then wrote summaries for the stories for their response journals (separate assignment).

http://www.learner.org/interactives/...inderella.html

HEre is a link for a smart board or individual activity about story elements.

Here's a site with some graphic organizers... i couldn't find the one I found, but this might be helpful.


http://www.cheney268.com/learning/or.../TypesText.htm

[Kat's Mom]

Perhaps the students could work in small groups to create/write their own reader's theater script to accompany "The True Story..."
I DO like you courtroom idea too!

[teacherboo]

i have also herd of putting the wolf on trial and doing a mock trial with the whole thing. it would be a neat thing if it worked out.